Take a moment to consider all of the items that you purchase over the course of a year. From food to children’s toys, tires for your car to soap, you almost certainly buy a wide range of products manufactured under a variety of different conditions.
Although consumer products are highly regulated and you have a genuine reason to trust that the things you buy won’t cause you harm, this faith in the consumer marketplace isn’t always grounded. Every week in the U.S., consumer goods are recalled due to an unreasonable risk of harm to those who use these products. In the event that physical harm does occur, consumers may be able to hold manufacturers liable for any losses stemming from their injuries.
Strict liability lawsuits
Some product liability cases are tried under the legal theory known as strict liability. In these cases, a victim only needs to prove that a defective, inadequately labeled or unreasonably dangerous product caused their harm. They don’t need to prove that the manufacturer’s practices were negligent before they can recover compensation.
Negligence-based lawsuits
Most consumer product injury victims need to prove that a manufacturer – or another entity in the supply chain – was somehow negligent or reckless in their practices. They must then prove that the manufacturer’s negligence or recklessness led to their injuries.
In either a strict liability or negligence scenario, if a victim’s lawsuit is successful, they may be awarded compensation for medical costs, lost income potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress and a variety of other losses stemming from their harm.
If you’ve been injured due to a defective, inadequately labeled or unreasonably dangerous consumer product, it’s important to learn about your rights and legal options. By weighing the pros and cons of taking legal action, you’ll be empowered to make the best decision possible for your unique circumstances.
